Perfect Courtesy Toward All People
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:1-2
As I reflect on Paul’s words in Titus 3:1-2, I’m compelled to urge you, the body of Christ, to embrace a way of life that sets us apart in a world drowning in division and harshness. Paul’s charge isn’t just a list of rules—it’s a call to live in a way that glorifies Jesus, showing the world He was sent by the Father on a rescue mission of grace (John 3:16-17; 13:35).
In a culture that celebrates brashness as strength, where ugly speech—insults, slander, and divisive rhetoric—is normalized, we’re called to a higher standard: perfect courtesy. This isn’t weakness or conformity to worldly ideals like political correctness. No, it’s strength under control, rooted in Christ’s love, and it’s how we, His Church, shine His light to a lost world.
Perfect courtesy doesn’t mean watering down truth or affirming sin to avoid offense. The world’s push for political correctness, like endorsing lifestyles that contradict God’s design (e.g., Romans 1:26-27), often sacrifices truth for fleeting harmony. But biblical courtesy is different—it’s about speaking and acting with humility and love while holding fast to God’s Word.
We don’t affirm sin, because true love seeks the eternal good of others, pointing them to the transformative grace of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 13:6). Yet, we must expect that speaking truth, even gently, may offend those who reject God’s standards (John 15:18-19). Jesus, our perfect example, loved sinners without endorsing their choices and called them to repentance with compassion (Mark 2:15-17). That’s our model—to love boldly, speak truthfully, and act humbly, trusting the Holy Spirit to convict hearts (John 16:8).
So, on the authority of scripture and for the greater fame of Jesus, I challenge you to embody Titus 3:1-2 in these practical ways, showing the world the strength of Christ’s love through our lives:
Beloved, living out Titus 3:1-2 isn’t easy—it’s countercultural. It requires strength from the Holy Spirit to choose gentleness over brashness and humility over pride. But when we do, we glorify Jesus, proving to the world that His grace transforms hearts from enmity to peace (Titus 3:3-5). Let’s reject the insecurity that fuels rude, uncourteous speech and embrace the secure strength of Christ’s love. Whether online, at work, or in our homes, let’s be a Church that speaks and acts with perfect courtesy, pointing others to the Savior who rescues through grace.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us by Your grace. Empower us, Your Church, to live out Titus 3:1-2 with strength rooted in Christ’s love. Help us reject harshness and embrace gentleness, showing perfect courtesy to all, so that our lives may praise You and draw others to Your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As I reflect on Paul’s words in Titus 3:1-2, I’m compelled to urge you, the body of Christ, to embrace a way of life that sets us apart in a world drowning in division and harshness. Paul’s charge isn’t just a list of rules—it’s a call to live in a way that glorifies Jesus, showing the world He was sent by the Father on a rescue mission of grace (John 3:16-17; 13:35).
In a culture that celebrates brashness as strength, where ugly speech—insults, slander, and divisive rhetoric—is normalized, we’re called to a higher standard: perfect courtesy. This isn’t weakness or conformity to worldly ideals like political correctness. No, it’s strength under control, rooted in Christ’s love, and it’s how we, His Church, shine His light to a lost world.
Perfect courtesy doesn’t mean watering down truth or affirming sin to avoid offense. The world’s push for political correctness, like endorsing lifestyles that contradict God’s design (e.g., Romans 1:26-27), often sacrifices truth for fleeting harmony. But biblical courtesy is different—it’s about speaking and acting with humility and love while holding fast to God’s Word.
We don’t affirm sin, because true love seeks the eternal good of others, pointing them to the transformative grace of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 13:6). Yet, we must expect that speaking truth, even gently, may offend those who reject God’s standards (John 15:18-19). Jesus, our perfect example, loved sinners without endorsing their choices and called them to repentance with compassion (Mark 2:15-17). That’s our model—to love boldly, speak truthfully, and act humbly, trusting the Holy Spirit to convict hearts (John 16:8).
So, on the authority of scripture and for the greater fame of Jesus, I challenge you to embody Titus 3:1-2 in these practical ways, showing the world the strength of Christ’s love through our lives:
- Submit and Obey as an Act of Worship: Paul calls us to submit to authorities and be obedient, not out of fear, but as worship to our sovereign God (Romans 13:1). When we live this way—honoring those in authority while staying true to God’s commands—we reflect Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will, even to the cross (Philippians 2:8). This unity and humility proclaim His rescue mission of grace.
- Be Ready for Every Good Work: Our readiness to serve, whether meeting physical needs or sharing the Gospel, reflects God’s kindness to us (Titus 3:4-7). Let’s be a Church that seeks opportunities to love others through action, showing the world that Jesus came not to condemn them but to seek and save the lost.
- Gentleness in Speech and Action: Paul’s words in Titus 3:2—to “speak evil of no one” and “avoid quarreling”—call us to gentle, edifying speech. This means rejecting gossip, slander, or harsh words, and choosing language that builds others up (Ephesians 4:29). Our actions, too, must reflect patience and kindness, even in tough moments. The world sees brashness—rude, unkind outbursts—as strength, but that’s the way of the weak and insecure. True strength is gentleness: a disciplined choice to restrain ego and anger, rooted in Christ’s love. When we respond with courtesy, especially in tough conversations—we show strength that glorifies Jesus. We love without affirming sin, speaking truth kindly, knowing offense may come from the message, not our manner.
- Perfect Courtesy Toward All: Paul’s call to show perfect courtesy “toward all people” means extending humility to everyone—friends, strangers, even those who oppose us. In an age where ugly speech is normalized, our gentle witness sets us apart. By avoiding quarrels and treating all with dignity, we reflect Jesus, who loved sinners yet called them to repentance. This is how we show the world He was sent to rescue, not reject.
Beloved, living out Titus 3:1-2 isn’t easy—it’s countercultural. It requires strength from the Holy Spirit to choose gentleness over brashness and humility over pride. But when we do, we glorify Jesus, proving to the world that His grace transforms hearts from enmity to peace (Titus 3:3-5). Let’s reject the insecurity that fuels rude, uncourteous speech and embrace the secure strength of Christ’s love. Whether online, at work, or in our homes, let’s be a Church that speaks and acts with perfect courtesy, pointing others to the Savior who rescues through grace.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us by Your grace. Empower us, Your Church, to live out Titus 3:1-2 with strength rooted in Christ’s love. Help us reject harshness and embrace gentleness, showing perfect courtesy to all, so that our lives may praise You and draw others to Your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.